“Dear Friends, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19)
Good communication begins with good listening skills and the best way to approach communication is by asking God to give you insight into what each other are feeling and show you how to pray accordingly. One of the biggest problems in marriage is communication, or the lack thereof. Once again it’s the “mature love” that recognizes that loving communication is important in marriage and that by learning to listen, you will understand each other better. When you give someone your undivided attention, you’re intentionally conveying the message to your partner that they are important and what they have to say matters to you.
Good communication skills means that listening is better than doing all the talking, as the scripture points out, ‘be quick to listen & slow to speak’. Listening intently means showing genuine interest with eye contact, head nods and asking questions rather than making statements. Body language, facial expression, and tone of voice are also important for the effectiveness of good communication skills.
Repeat back what you think you’ve heard so that you don’t misinterpret anything and to show that you understand one another. Don’t use accusations when having discussions, instead state how you felt when the situation happened. And finally be slow to anger if you are on the receiving end and feel you are being attacked /accused. Instead listen, be understanding, and respond without angry words. Planting words of anger, criticism, or insensitivity will only come back to haunt you because we reap what we sow, instead, plant words of love, respect and good communication.
